Day 360

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Happy Birthday, Jesus!

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

December 25—Glory to God! A Savior is Born

Observation

Today we're pausing in our walk through the Bible to celebrate the coming of Jesus to earth. Matthew (1:18-2:12) recounts the angelic revelation of the birth of the Messiah to Mary and then to Joseph, a birth that fulfills the prophets' announcements of old. While Matthew tells of the wise men who later come from the East to pay homage to the newborn King, Luke's account (2:1-20) includes an angelic announcement to humble shepherds, who also come to worship the Christ child. Rich or poor, highly important or humble, Jesus comes to be Lord of all!

Application

Nothing is impossible with God. If you don't believe that, then just consider the obstacles he had to overcome in order to send his Son into the World.
  • His Son had to be born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:6), and while still a child, escape the murderous attack of a deranged king (Matthew 2:16-19).
  • His Son had to be of the line of David (Matthew 1:1-17) without being tainted by the sinfulness of David (Matthew 2:21-23).
  • His Son had to fulfill more than 300 specific Old Testament prophecies during his life and ministry!
And the gospel accounts document the fact that once again God's power was great enough for the assignment. That should do something for your confidence in his ability to rearrange, recondition and (if necessary) rebuild the shattered pieces of your life.

As you read today's special Scripture portion, compile a list of miracles which God performed. Then add to that list the miracles you have witnessed in your own life. Finally, write out the miracle you desire him to perform in your life.

Prayer

Father God, when we do not receive an answer to our prayers, let us examine our own motives. When we pray and do not receive, it's because we are asking with the wrong motives so that we may use what we get on our own pleasures. Answered prayer is the proof of pure and real praying. Guide us through your Spirit to pray with an honest and sincere heart for the King has come to redeem us from our sins and now gone to prepare a place for us in eternity. We thank you for rescuing us from this temporary world and while we wait for our permanent Home you left us with a Helper—the Holy Spirit! Thank you, Jesus. And we worship Christ the newborn King with celebrations on this special day—Christmas—for he is the reason for the season, indeed. Glory to God on high we worship and praise your Holy Name! You and only you are worthy of our praise! In Jesus' name! Amen! 





© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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